Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-01-20


1t is in ere ting to note the progress of the ra /
ROADS IN the state OF w SconSiR. at the Clos If
the year 1885, there were ten miles of completed
r9ad-from Milwaukee to Elm Grove. At the
close OF the year 1860 there were but S75 miles of
railroad within our limits. During the time of the
war OF the rebellion, and the business depression
Immediately following, there was but little of rail
way building done. In 1861, 20 miles; in 1862, sc
miles; IN 1868 none; in 1864, % miles, and during
the years 1865, 1866 and 1867, not mile of track
was laid in the State. After the war was over,
ana the business of the country had recovered
from the consequent continued depression and
stagnation, railroad building and railroad deve-
opment began forward march, and have kept
even and steady pace with the other great indus
tries of the State.
To-day the total number Of miles of railroad in
tne State Is 1882 constructed at cost of $751;
oIo, S02.UI. The average cost per mile was $40, :
2o9.52, which includes equipments, buildings and
depot grounds. For the year ending June 80, 1856,
the earnings of the roads were $40, 972, 2S16O, Of
which ameunt 81, $50, S76.S9 was from passengers,
Sl4 575 6O9 SO from freight and 81 465 79o IS from
mail and express. The labor TO produce these
earnings has required the services of from 200
10 lo, UO0 men, at an average yearly compensation
OF S60O each. The operating expenses for the
period mentioned were S12 81, 17154 The num-
per Oh IONS OF freight carried was 9lS 40 at an
average cost per ton per mile Of 1.31 cents. The
number OF pas engerS carried 5, $685. $751; at ar.
average cost Of ~ cents per mile.
A namter Of new lines are in process of con-
struction, and several are contemplated which
promise TO make the coming year one of great ac-
tiylty in this enterprise.
to all other industries of the State. Legislation
affecting railroads should be eracied with spirit
OF fairness and with due regard TO the transaction
or other business. Nothing should be dOu e that
would cripple so vital factor in he States dayel-
opment: and at the same time, care should be TAX
en- and frmress maintained, that an interest so
-aree does not overreach its legit mate bounds,
g. Interfere with the proper progr- IS of other
interests of the state. Nothing should be enacted
nto law because Of public c.amor, without ample
reasons therefor, and ne just or reasonable
restraint should be withheld.
ELECTRIC LIGHT
In compliance with act of the last Legisla-
ture, have considered the ACCESSIBILITY of using
electric light in the Capitol building and grounds.
BIS We're received from the different electrical
lighting companies, and from the local gas COM
p:ny. 1t was found that the expense of putting
IN the plant and fixtures for electrical lighting
would be about S25, coo; and that the additional
expense for Eaaint aiming end operating the same
would be more than the cost Of lighting with gas,
as offered by the local company. 1t was, there
fore, deemed best to accept the proposition Of the
gas company, and a contract made with them
for two years, at S1.75 per thousand feet, the
State to consume 2, 000 900 feet per year. This
contract is Is cents per thousand feet less than
before.
WAR RECORDS
The work of compiling and publishing the war
records, III accordance with an act of the last
Legislature has been pushed as rapidly as the
circumstances and the difficulties of the work
would permit. The expense of the undertaking
has been much more than was anticipated, but
the Importance of the work has required great
thoroughness and accuracy, and the scattered
and diSordered condition Of the war records was
found to be much greater than had been expected.
The discoveries have shown the great need and
Importance of the work and have justified the
outlay that has been made. The first volume of
the publication was received from the press about
the first of December, and it will be some time
yet before the records Of the Adjutant-General S
Office are completed.
would call the attention of the Legislature to
the fact that many of the States to commend
rate the heroic deeds of their troops at the battle
OF Gettysburg, are ERECTING memorial tablets to
great battle. The State Of Wisconsin had six reg
iments engaged in that hard fought battle, and
any tribute the State may make to the acts and
deeds of these gallant soldiers has been justly
and herolcaly deserved.
The strength of the Wisconsin National Guard,
on the first day of January, 1887, was 1884. The
last Legislature increased the compensation of
officers and men while in camp OF instruction,
and appropriated 900 per annum for overcoats
and blankets. This amount was expended under
direction Of the Quartermaster General. One
company of infantry and enc battery of artillery
were organized by authority Of the Legislature,
making in al 81 companies in the organization at
nance of the National Guard for 1885, $67, O6,
and fer 1885, S54 624 rs This last amount inc udes
the expenses of the militia while in active service
in Milwaukee during the riots.
The annual inspections of the companies and
camps shows a highly creditable advance in all
that makes an effective citizen soldiery. The
has demonstrated that the State troops can be
assembled in any emergency as rapidly as tran-
sportation can be procured for them, and that,
when assembled, they are loyal, subordinate,
and under admirable instruction and discipline.
CONCLUSION.
You will be called upon to amend and psrfect
the laws in many respects, and l assure you of
my hearty cooperation. The young and limo
cent should have the especial protection
of just and wholesome laws. Tenpta-
TONS, so far as possible, should be re-
moved; and wherein the laws are defective they
should be changed or amended so as to make GER
tain those puniShGents that are deserved. The
wants ofthe people are diversified and numerous,
and have alluded to such subjects only as seem
particularly fitting and proper for me. In all
your efforts to add to the happiness and material
prosperity and welfare Of the people, you VIII
have my willing assistance; and trusting in the
wisdom of a gracious Providence, I have no
doubt as to the result.
JEREMIAH NJ. RUSK.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Madison, Wis, January, 1887.